You are viewing the 2013 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

Students who wish to pursue P-12 teacher certification in Earth Science must apply to and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Please visit the Teacher Education Program Web site for the required professional sequence of courses and other important Program requirements, guidelines, and procedures. Students are strongly advised to review the Teacher Education Program Handbook. The course PHED 401 The Teaching of Science in Secondary Schools is the departmental requirement.

A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0 major GPA. However, more than 120 semester hours may be required depending upon the major field of study. In addition to the major requirement outlined below, all university students must fulfill the set of General Education requirements applicable to their degree.

Course Descriptions:

Principles of Biology I involves the study of life from molecule to multicellular organism with focus on structure and function of cells, mechanisms of heredity and change, and the ways in which these processes shape higher levels of biological organization. This course is designed to fulfill the first core course requirement of the biology major. 4 sh.

CHEM120: General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to atomic and molecular structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the Mathematics readiness test OR a grade of C- or better in MATH 100 or MATH 111 or MATH 112 or MATH 116 or MATH 122 or MATH 221 or MATH 222. Satisfactory score on the Chemistry readiness test OR a grade of C- or better in CHEM 105 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 113.

EAES105: Physical Geology (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Materials of the earth; landforms and structures; the processes and agents responsible for their formation and modification. Modern tectonic concepts. Topographic and geologic maps. Required field trips. Not open to students who have had Principles of Geology. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Previous course GEOS 112 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

EAES150: General Oceanography (3 hours lecture)

A general study of the oceans and methods of modern oceanography including the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the oceans and their interrelationships. This course is designed for non-science majors. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Interdisciplinary Core, Scientific Issues. Previous course GEOS 162 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

EAES200: Geomorphology (3 hours lecture)

Major controls of climate and the landforms of North America are analyzed in order to gain an understanding of how the continent compares and is related to the rest of the world. The basis and distinct characteristics of the subdivisions of North America are examined in order to bring out contrasts and unique features within the continent. Previous course GEOS 254 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

Presents a basic understanding of the dynamic atmosphere and explores the impacts that weather and climate have on humans and the biosphere. Basic physical laws of energy and motion are employed to explain temperature, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, storms, and how climates vary regionally. Connections are made toward management of weather hazards, air pollution, impacts on agriculture and economy, and environmental and social implications of climate change. Lectures are supplemented by current events discussions and hands-on exercises in lab sections. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Previous course GEOS 257 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GNED 199, ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

EAES204: Geology Field Trip

A five-day to one-week trip through areas of geologic significance. A geoscience major is expected to participate in at least two of the trips. Field trip report and collection required. Expenses shared by the participants. Previous course GEOS 484 effective through Spring 2012. 1 sh.

Principles of photogrammetry and the use of aerial photographs as a significant research method to recognize and evaluate earth environments and resources. Previous course GEOS 251 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

EAES212: Map Reading and Cartography (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

This course is designed to acquaint students with the characteristics of map computation, design and construction. Historical development of mapping and map reading will be important areas of emphasis. Remote sensing, computer mapping will provide up-to-date procedures. Each student will work toward a map suitable for commercial publication. Previous course GEOS 250 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

EAES240: Historical Geology (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Geological history of the earth; the evolution of North America in terms of the changing geography, climate, and plant and animal life as interpreted from the rock and fossil record. Required field trips. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Previous course GEOS 114 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

A general study of the marine sciences, including origin and evolution of the oceans, physical and chemical properties of seawater, marine life, oceanic circulation, atmospheric-ocean exchange and other processes that take place in the oceans. This course also deals with marine resources and human interaction with the marine environment. Field trips required. May be taught off-campus at the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium in the summer. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, PHMS 250. Previous course PHMS 210 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GNED 199, ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as a prerequisite or corequisite.

EAES301: Climatology (3 hours lecture)

Basic climate elements examined in terms of their influence on habitats and various aspects of human activities. The energy flux between atmosphere and biosphere affords a fundamental understanding of limitations in ecosystems development. Knowledge and climatic influences on health, clothing, human comfort, architecture, commerce and industry encourages the student to investigate new ways of living rationally within a climatic environment. Previous course GEOS 201 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

EAES310: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 hours lab)

This course deals with fundamental principles and applications of GIS. Various ways in which GIS can be used in planning and management analysis and research will be discussed. Students will learn the issues which need to be considered when planning and implementing GIS. One or two widely used software packages will be employed as a tool to study GIS applications. Previous courses GEOS 470 and EUGS 470 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

Description, identification, classification, origin and occurrence of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory study of the common rocks. Required field trips. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Geoscience. Previous course GEOS 444 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: EAES 220.

EAES321: Economic Geology (3 hours lecture)

Geology and geography of non-metallic and metallic mineral resources and fuels. Problems associated with their occurrence and exploitation. Required field trips. (Not given every year.) Previous course GEOS 310 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: EAES 220.

EAES322: Environmental Geochemistry (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Chemical principles and methods applied to the study of interactions among lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Topics such as water pollution, waste disposal and human impact on global geochemical cycles will be discussed. Laboratory will stress the measurement of chemical properties related to water and soil quality as well as computer modeling of chemical transport in porous media. Previous course GEOS 454 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

EAES331: Geohydrology (3 hours lecture)

The study of ground water with particular emphasis given to its mode of migration, chemistry and relation to the geographic environment. Particular attention is given to Darcy's law, soil porosity, soil permeability and the ability to withdraw water for human consumption. Water pollutants and salt water incursions are investigated. Spatial distributions are analyzed and the processes examined. Previous course GEOS 452 and ENVR 452 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

EAES350: Oceanography (3 hours lecture)

Study of the physical and chemical properties of sea water, oceanic circulation, waves and tides, and estuarine and shoreline processes. May be taught off-campus at the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium in the summer. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, PHMS 350. Previous course GEOS 360 effective through Spring 2012. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: EAES 240, EAES 250, PHMS 250 or departmental approval.

EAES403: Meteorology (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

The characteristics of the earth's atmosphere. Meteorological instruments, principles of atmospheric physics, weather patterns and measurements of changes within the atmosphere. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Geoscience. Previous course GEOS 457 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: EAES 301 or departmental approval.

EAES404: Field Geology (4 hours lecture, 6 hours lab)

Application of geologic principles to field mapping and interpretation in the North Central Applachians, Rocky Mountains, and/or regional geology of another designated area. Map production and writing field reports will be emphasized. This is an intensive summer field course. Previous course GEOS 480 effective through Spring 2012. 6 sh.

EAES441: Stratigraphy (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Stratigraphic principles and their application. Case studies of selected regions. Local stratigraphy interpreted through field studies. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Geoscience. Previous course GEOS 434 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: EAES 302, EAES 340 or EAES 342.

EAES454: Human Impact on the Coastal Zone

A study of man's economic, political, legal and social impacts on the physical and biological aspects of the coastal zone, primarily a field course with supporting lectures and discussion. Previous course GEOS 403 effective through Spring 2012. 4 sh.

EAES494: Independent Study in Geoscience

An opportunity for the qualified student to do library and/or laboratory investigation in a field of science of his/her choice under the guidance of a faculty member. The course is conducted exclusively by scheduled individual conferences and reports. (Offered on demand.) May be repeated three times for a maximum of 10.0 credits. Previous course GEOS 495 effective through Spring 2012. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

EAES498: Seminar in Geoscience (2 hours seminar)

Student field, laboratory and library investigation of a problem in the area of his/her interest in geoscience; results presented in oral and written form. Class discussion of the individual papers and of other pertinent topics of current interest in geoscience. (Not offered every year.) Previous course GEOS 490 effective through Spring 2012. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

EAES499: Selected Topics in Earth & Environmental Studies

An in-depth study of a particular topic in geoscience, the specific subject matter of which is not offered regularly in an existing course. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 10.0 credits as long as the topic is different. Previous course GEOS 494 effective through Spring 2012. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

MATH112: Precalculus Mathematics (3 hours lecture)

Prerequisites: MATH 100 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Precalculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Precalculus Readiness Test.)

MATH116: Calculus A (4 hours lecture)

Differentiation and integration of functions, including trigonometric functions. Applications to biology and geoscience. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)

MATH122: Calculus I (4 hours lecture)

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)

MATH221: Calculus II (4 hours lecture)

PHYS180: Descriptive Astronomy (3 hours lecture)

For the general student -- a discussion of our place in the universe from ancient ideas to modern data on the moon, planets, comets, stars, galaxies and quasars. The formation and evolution of planets, stars, black holes and the universe as a whole reveal our place in time. 3 sh.

PHYS191: University Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. 4 sh.

PHYS193: College Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 100.

PHYS194: College Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include optics, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to modern and nuclear physics, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 193 and MATH 100 or MATH 111 or MATH 112.

PHYS280: Astronomy (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Application of physical laws to the earth as a planet; nature of the other planets; orbital motion and space flight; origin of the solar system; the birth, life and death of a star galactic structure; and cosmology. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Physics. 4 sh.